Bangkok, Thailand, March 17, 2011 - Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (HATC), Honda's automobile production and sales subsidiary in Thailand, unveiled its highly-anticipated Honda BRIO which makes its world premiere debut. The latest innovation from Honda is expected to raise the bar and set a new standard for eco-cars in terms of design, packaging, cabin comfort and fuel-efficiency in Thailand. The starting price will be 399,900 baht, with an annual sales plan of 40,000 units. (1 baht = approximately 2.7 yen)
Honda BRIO is being developed with Honda's advanced technologies, while further advancing Honda's "man maximum, machine minimum" concept*1. Being developed as a commuter car which is easy-to-use even in urban areas, the Honda BRIO adopts an easy-to-handle compact body while ensuring sufficient cabin space achieved through highly efficient packaging. With this vehicle, Honda thoroughly pursued the creation of an advanced exterior form, which is compact while asserting a strong presence.
The BRIO is equipped with Honda's 1.2-liter 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine delivering 90 horsepower. This i-VTEC engine combines stress-free driving throughout the rpm range with outstanding fuel economy of 5 liters/100km*2. Its fuel economy-enhancing technologies and nimble performance makes the compact car enjoyable and fun to drive. Emissions from the Brio meets the stringent Euro 4 emission standards.
BRIO features Honda's safety technologies including dual SRS front airbags, disc brakes, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) which prevents wheel locking and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) which enhances braking performance. (available in all versions).
Incorporating Honda's G-Force Control (G-CON) technology, the BRIO's high-performance body features several outstanding elements that enhance its design, driving performance, ride comfort and collision safety performance. Its high performance body satisfies safety standards for both front and side impacts as specified by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)'s regulations 94 and 95, respectively.
Atsushi Fujimoto, President of Honda Automobile (Thailand), said, "It brings Honda great pride to unveil the first BRIO in the world, manufactured, assembled and marketed here in Thailand. The BRIO will meet the driving and lifestyle needs of people who are looking for a stylish and compact, yet spacious and fuel-efficient car that carries a brand that they can trust for its advanced and safety technologies.
- *1 Honda's "man maximum, machine minimum" concept is a basic approach to Honda car design calling for maximizing the space available for people and minimizing the space required for mechanical components.
- *2 Measures with ECE R101 mode
2 comments:
I think this Brio is one small Honda model. The annual selling target is very good and I expect Honda will be able to achieve this feat.
I had actually known about this model, well not its detail but that Honda has been designing a mini-car for the ASEAN market. The idea is for the new car owner and that Honda can capture some of that market. The mini-car segment is huge in ASEAN. I was told Honda was especially particular in wanting it to drive well and have reasonable performance. 90hp from a 1.3l engine is quite good, slightly higher than what the original 1.4l Fit/Jazz produced and about the most powerful in its class. I wonder how this model will be received if moved outside of ASEAN.
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